Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use by Addictions Professionals: Historical Reflections and Suggested Guidelines
Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly: Volume: 26 Issue: 4 , pp. 500 - 535

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use by individuals working in the addictions field has existed as a complex, controversial personal and professional practice issue for more than 150 years.

The central debate within this history involves the concept of nexus—the boundary that distinguishes rights to personal privacy from professional duties and obligations. Ambiguities related to this point of demarcation have contributed to misjudgments related to ATOD use by addictions professionals that have injured multiple parties.

This essay reviews the history of ATOD use as a professional practice issue in the addictions field; discusses clinical, ethical, and legal issues related to ATOD use by addiction service professionals; and offers guidance on ATOD use decision making.

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